ACNP Programs in Colorado (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Looking for a Colorado APRN track that pays well and is in high demand? ACNPs in the Bayou State earn around $124,960 annually, and growth for that specialty is projected to go up by 56 percent across the next 10 years. As a graduate of one of the ACNP programs in Colorado, hospital emergency rooms, intensive care units (ICUs), trauma units, and other specialty clinics will compete for your services. Want to find out more about this dynamic professional nursing opportunity? You'll find all the information you need by reading through this list of the best ACNP programs in Colorado.
FOLLOWING ARE THE ACNP PROGRAMS IN COLORADO (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online ACNP programs in Colorado.)
1. Colorado State University Pueblo - Pueblo
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate
MNSc Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner/Family Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner/Family Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master’s Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner/Family Nurse Practitioner
The program features a hybrid learning format. Most lectures, discussions, and assignments are conducted online. Some courses require occasional campus visits, such as courses that involve clinical labs, simulations, and skills check-offs.
Students in this MSN ACNP program in Colorado complete 53-59 credits. Coursework for the program includes classes such as Research and Evidence-Based Practice, Healthcare Informatics, Adult and Gerontology Acute Care, and Healthcare: Ethics, Law, and Policy. The curriculum includes 120 lab hours and 780 clinical hours.
The Dual AGACNP/FNP pathway requires the completion of 74-80 credit hours. In addition to 120 lab hours, students also complete 780 clinical hours in both Family Practice clinical hours and Adult Gerontology clinical hours for a total of 1,560 direct patient care hours.
MSN Admission Requirements: Prospective students interested in the MSN program at Colorado State University must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited institution and have proof of an active, unrestricted Colorado RN license. Candidates are required to provide three letters of recommendation, a Letter of Intent, a curriculum vitae, and official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
A cumulative BSN grade point average of at least 3.0 is required, as well as proof of completion of undergraduate courses in statistics, chemistry, and microbiology with a grade of "C" or higher. All applicants are required to undergo a criminal background check and drug screen, provide proof of current immunizations, pass a physical examination, and hold current CPR certification.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP program at Colorado State University prepares students for the highest level of clinical practice with the option to specialize as a dual AGACNP/FNP or Acute Care Adult Gerontology NP. New classes are admitted each fall. Most students complete the program in four years if enrolled on a full-time basis.
The Acute Care Adult Gerontology NP pathway features an 83-credit curriculum that is presented in a hybrid format. Online classes are supplemented with campus visits during clinical courses to complete simulations and skills labs. In this pathway, students complete 1,320 clinical hours (780 AGACNP hours and 540 DNP hours). The dual degree AGACNP/FNP program requires the completion of 104 credits and 2,100 clinical hours (780 AGACNP hours, 780 FNP hours, and 540 DNP hours).
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Candidates for the BSN-to-DNP program must have a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited university and an unrestricted Colorado or Colorado Nursing Compact State RN license. You are required to provide official transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended, three letters of recommendation, a CV, and a Statement of Intent. A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and a grade of “C” or better for all prerequisite coursework is required.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: At Colorado State University, RNs with a master’s degree can pursue training for certification as an Acute Care Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner or Family Nurse Practitioner through the Post-Master’s Certificate program. New classes begin each fall and spring semester. Because the plan of study is individualized for each student, the time it takes to complete the program varies.
The AGACNP pathway consists of a 24-26-credit curriculum and includes 585 clinical hours. The Dual AGACNP/FNP pathway features a 47-credit curriculum and requires 585 clinical hours for each of the two specialties. Once accepted into the program, a customized plan of study will be developed based on a review of the academic coursework you previously completed. Therefore, the total number of credits required to earn the certificate may be reduced. A minimum of 16 post-graduate credits must be completed at CSU to be eligible for the post-master’s certificate.
Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the Post-Master’s Certificate program, candidates must have a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited university with a 3.0 or higher grade point average. Applicants must complete an online application and provide proof of an active, unrestricted Colorado or Colorado Nursing Compact State RN license. In addition to submitting an application, candidates are also required to submit three letters of recommendation, a copy of current CPR certification, a curriculum vitae, a Letter of Intent, and proof of current immunizations.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• At Colorado State University, you will have an academic advisor who serves as your mentor from the time you are accepted into the ACNP program until you graduate.• Graduates of the Colorado State University ACNP program have high job placement rates. Most graduates report being employed within three months of completing the program, and among those who respond to surveys, they report staying employed in the field.
• One of the benefits of being a student in the ACNP program at Colorado State University is having a Clinical Placement Coordinator who collaborates with you to identify clinical sites and preceptors. The Coordinator helps by ensuring contracts are in place and preceptors meet high-quality standards, which means you can spend your time focusing on your studies.
• Outstanding first-time pass rates on national board certification exams are just one more reason CSU is home to some of the best ACNP programs in Colorado! When you choose a school that has a history of preparing students for success, you can feel confident about the quality of education you will receive!
HOW MUCH DO ACNP GRADUATES MAKE IN COLORADO?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN COLORADO EXPECT?
| Hourly | $44.20 |
| Weekly | $1,768 |
| Monthly | $7,660 |
| Annual | $91,930 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN COLORADO EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $44.20 | $1,768 | $7,660 | $91,930 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $50.01 | $2,000 | $8,670 | $104,020 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $59.03 | $2,361 | $10,230 | $122,790 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $65.75 | $2,630 | $11,400 | $136,750 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $78.56 | $3,143 | $13,620 | $163,410 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE ACNP SALARY IN COLORADO?
| Hourly | $60.08 |
| Weekly | $2,403 |
| Monthly | $10,410 |
| Annual | $124,960 |
HOW MUCH DO ACNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF COLORADO?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Boulder | $66.11 | $2,644 | $11,460 | $137,500 |
| Colorado Springs | $59.61 | $2,384 | $10,330 | $123,990 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood | $60.73 | $2,429 | $10,530 | $126,320 |
| Fort Collins | $58.59 | $2,343 | $10,160 | $121,860 |
| Grand Junction | $56.77 | $2,271 | $9,840 | $118,090 |
| Greeley | $54.63 | $2,185 | $9,470 | $113,620 |
| Pueblo | $56.74 | $2,270 | $9,840 | $118,020 |
ACNP SALARY IN COLORADO VS. OTHER SALARIES
ACNP SALARY IN COLORADO VS. ACNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Colorado ACNP Annual Salary | Average National ACNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $124,960 | $131,620 | -$6,660 | -5.06% |
ACNP SALARY IN COLORADO VS. ACNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $165,480 | -$40,520 | -24.49% |
| Nevada | $152,290 | -$27,330 | -17.95% |
| Washington | $148,940 | -$23,980 | -16.10% |
| New Jersey | $148,560 | -$23,600 | -15.89% |
| Oregon | $148,480 | -$23,520 | -15.84% |
| Massachusetts | $147,520 | -$22,560 | -15.29% |
| New York | $146,310 | -$21,350 | -14.59% |
| Connecticut | $140,320 | -$15,360 | -10.95% |
| New Mexico | $140,100 | -$15,140 | -10.81% |
| Minnesota | $138,300 | -$13,340 | -9.65% |
| District of Columbia | $138,130 | -$13,170 | -9.53% |
| Rhode Island | $136,710 | -$11,750 | -8.59% |
| Hawaii | $135,840 | -$10,880 | -8.01% |
| Arizona | $135,790 | -$10,830 | -7.98% |
| Delaware | $134,300 | -$9,340 | -6.95% |
| Iowa | $134,010 | -$9,050 | -6.75% |
| New Hampshire | $133,920 | -$8,960 | -6.69% |
| Texas | $133,180 | -$8,220 | -6.17% |
| Wisconsin | $131,460 | -$6,500 | -4.94% |
| Maryland | $131,110 | -$6,150 | -4.69% |
| Utah | $130,930 | -$5,970 | -4.56% |
| North Dakota | $130,870 | -$5,910 | -4.52% |
| Pennsylvania | $130,550 | -$5,590 | -4.28% |
| Illinois | $129,990 | -$5,030 | -3.87% |
| Alaska | $129,240 | -$4,280 | -3.31% |
| Vermont | $129,170 | -$4,210 | -3.26% |
| Montana | $127,680 | -$2,720 | -2.13% |
| Idaho | $127,580 | -$2,620 | -2.05% |
| Oklahoma | $127,360 | -$2,400 | -1.88% |
| Wyoming | $126,570 | -$1,610 | -1.27% |
| Indiana | $126,320 | -$1,360 | -1.08% |
| Maine | $125,930 | -$970 | -0.77% |
| Ohio | $125,860 | -$900 | -0.72% |
| Colorado | $124,960 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nebraska | $124,640 | +$320 | +0.26% |
| North Carolina | $124,550 | +$410 | +0.33% |
| Georgia | $124,100 | +$860 | +0.69% |
| South Dakota | $123,930 | +$1,030 | +0.83% |
| Virginia | $123,810 | +$1,150 | +0.93% |
| Michigan | $123,620 | +$1,340 | +1.08% |
| Florida | $122,630 | +$2,330 | +1.90% |
| Kansas | $122,180 | +$2,780 | +2.28% |
| Louisiana | $121,560 | +$3,400 | +2.80% |
| Mississippi | $120,350 | +$4,610 | +3.83% |
| South Carolina | $119,790 | +$5,170 | +4.32% |
| Missouri | $119,520 | +$5,440 | +4.55% |
| West Virginia | $116,210 | +$8,750 | +7.53% |
| Arkansas | $116,170 | +$8,790 | +7.57% |
| Kentucky | $113,060 | +$11,900 | +10.53% |
| Alabama | $112,700 | +$12,260 | +10.88% |
| Tennessee | $106,250 | +$18,710 | +17.61% |
ACNP SALARY IN COLORADO VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN COLORADO
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $215,870 | -$90,910 | -42.11% |
| Nurse Midwife | $126,100 | -$1,140 | -0.90% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $124,960 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Registered Nurse | $91,730 | +$33,230 | +36.23% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary | $83,270 | +$41,690 | +50.07% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $64,710 | +$60,250 | +93.11% |
| Nursing Assistant | $43,580 | +$81,380 | +186.74% |
ACNP SALARY IN COLORADO VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN COLORADO
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Podiatrist | $179,980 | -$55,020 | -30.57% |
| Dentist | $149,810 | -$24,850 | -16.59% |
| Optometrist | $143,910 | -$18,950 | -13.17% |
| Pharmacist | $141,670 | -$16,710 | -11.80% |
| Physician Assistant | $130,020 | -$5,060 | -3.89% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $124,960 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Veterinarian | $110,510 | +$14,450 | +13.08% |
| Radiation Therapist | $109,470 | +$15,490 | +14.15% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $107,780 | +$17,180 | +15.94% |
| Occupational Therapist | $104,950 | +$20,010 | +19.07% |
| Dental Hygienist | $101,790 | +$23,170 | +22.76% |
| Physical Therapist | $98,000 | +$26,960 | +27.51% |
| Chiropractor | $76,720 | +$48,240 | +62.88% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits ACNP Programs In Colorado?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Accredited ACNP Schools Are There In Colorado?
| 1 |
3. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Hour In Colorado?
| $60.08 |
4. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Week In Colorado?
| $2,403 |
5. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Month In Colorado?
| $10,410 |
6. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Year In Colorado?
| $124,960 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For ACNPs In Colorado?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +56.22% |
Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
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